Catalytic lighter



y 1962 E. MARKUS-MARKUSH 3,031,870

CATALYTIC LIGHTER Filed Aug. 75, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY ERNESTO MARKUSMARKUSH y 1, 1962 E. MARKUS-MARKUSH 3,031,870

CATALYTIC LIGHTER Filed Aug. 5, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY ERNESTO MARKUS'MARKUSH' 3,031,870 CATALYTKC LHGHTER Ernesto Markus-Marlrush, 38 Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland Filed Aug. 3, 1961, Ser. No. 129,172 12 Claims. (Cl. 67-7) This invention concerns an improved catalytic lighter of the type employing a catalyst to ignite fumes of a volatile fluid.

According to the invention there is provided a container filled with a fibrous mass such as cotton or asbestos saturated with a volatile fluid such as alcohol, butane or the like. A hollow stopper having an open mouth is inserted into the neck of the container. This stopper contains a lining of fibrous material such as asbestos felt which soaks up and becomes saturated with the fluid. A compartment may be provided in the container to hold moisture absorbent crystals such as silica gel, calcium chloride or the like. These crystals will absorb moisture from the volatile fluid to improve its igniting qualities. Removably and turnably inserted in the stopper is a frame carrying one or more catalytic members and one or more fine metal wires. The stopper is provided with lateral openings to create an air draft therethrough. The frame may be provided with projections adapted to adjust the sizes of the openings. The topper may be weighted so that it can be set down in an inverted position without tipping over. It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a catalytic lighter including a container of volatile fluid, a stopper for taking fluid up from the container, and an adjustable frame carrying a catalyst and wires for igniting the fluid.

Still another object is to provide a lighter of the character described, wherein the stopper has air draft holes which may be adjustably opened and closed by projections on the frame.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a catalytic lighter embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the stopper per se in an inverted position.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are sectional views taken on lines 4-4 and 5-5, respectively, of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the frame per se.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of another frame.

FIG. 8 is an edgewise elevational view of the frame of FIG. 7 taken on line 88 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of another lighter.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown a cylindrical container 19 which is substantially filled with a mass of fibrous material 12 such as cotton, Fiberglas, asbestos, rock wool or the like. The material 12 is saturated with a volatile fluid 15 such as alcohol, butane or the like. The container has a tubular neck 14 and aligned with the neck is an inner tubular portion 16 which serves as a guide to receive the cylindrical portion 18 of a stopper 26. The tubular portion 16 defines a cylindrical compartment 22 above the fibrous mass 12. At the bottom of the compartment 22 are granules 23 of silica gel, calcium chloride or other desiccant adapted to extract moisture from the fluid 15, and from fumes arising from the material 12 as the fluid volatilizes.

3,031,870 Patented May 1, 1962 lee The stopper 2% has a cylindrical asbestos felt lining 24. Registering holes 25, 26 are formed in the tubular portion 18 and lining 24 at diametrally opposed positions; see FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. The stopper has a generally spherical top or head 28 which may contain a weight 30 for holding the stopper in an inverted, stable position best shown in FIG. 3. Located in the head 28 is a mass 32 of fibrous material, preferably of a non-inflammable charactersuch as Fiberglas, rock wool, or asbestos. This material is continuous with the lining 24 and the lining extends to the other open end of the stopper. The head can be grasped for removing the stopper from the container.

Removably and turnably inserted in the cylindrical portion 18 is a generally rectangular frame 35; see FIGS. 2-6. This frame has notches 36 in its top edge 38 on which are engaged wire loops 4d of a metal such as platinum. Suspended from the loops within the frame are two apertured disks 44 of a catalyst such as spongy platinum. Secured between the disks 44 and extensions 45 formed at the lower edge 46 of the frame are two loops 43 of platinum wire. Extending outwardly from opposite lateral edges 5d, 52 of the frame between top and bottom edges 38, 46 are two arcuate, integral projections 54, 56. The projections are tapered in form to narrow or pointed free ends. The projections are cylindrically curved to conform with the curvature of lining 24. The projections are located so that they can partially or wholly close the openings 25, 26 entirely when the frame 35 is adjustably rotated inside the stopper as indicated by arrows A in FIG. 5. The frame can be drawn out of the stopper when desired to replace it with another frame when the catalytic members become inactive.

The lighter, when not in use, will be closed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The fibrous mass 32 and lining 24 will become saturated with the fluid 15.

The stopper may be withdrawn and shaken a few times to cause an air draft to pass through the tubular portion. The air will enter through openings 25, 26. and pass out through the open end of the stopper. The oxygen in the air will react with the catalyst 44 causing it to glow and to cause the wires 48 to become incandescent in turn. The incandescent wires will in turn cause the fumes arising from the lining 24 and mass 32 to ignite and burn at the mouth of the stopper.

If the frame 35 is turned so that projections 54, 56 close the holes 25, 26, no air draft will pass through the stopper. This position of the frame may be used when the lighter is carried in a pocket or purse and it is desired to prevent accidental lighting if the stopper comess out of the container. The cut-off of the draft will prevent lighting of vapor which may be emitted from the lining 24 and mass 32.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 is shown another frame structure. The frame 35 is formed with notches 60, 61 and 62 at its upper edge 63, and lateral edges 64, 65. A platinum wire 66 is strung over and around the side and top edges of the frame and through a centrally disposed catalytic ring or disk 70 made of spongy platinum. Semicircular extensions 72 and '74 at the lateral edges 64, 65 serve to close the holes 25, 26 in the stopper when the frame 35 is suitably positioned therein. The frame 55 can be rotated to clear the holes 25, 26 and allow a free air draft through the stopper. End of wire 66 is spliced at 71.

The container 1t is shown made of metal. Itmay be formed of flexible plastic, such as polyethylene, if desired. The stopper 20 may be formed with a flat head 21 as indicated in FIG. 9. Also the container 10 may be made flat instead of round.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention'as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A catalytic lighter comprising a container, said container having a cylindrical neck portion, a mass of fibrous material in the container adapted to retain a quantity of volatile, ignitable fluid therein, a hollow stopper removably inserted in the container, said stopper having a cylindrical portion slidably received in said neck portion and a head adapted to be grasped for removal of the stopper from the container, at lining of fibrous, non-inflammable material in said stopper exposed to the fibrous material in the container, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said'stopper, projections extending laterally of the frame, said stopper having lateral holes in said cylindrical portion located to be adjustably closed by said projections, a catalytic member suspended within the frame, and a wire connected between said member and the frame for igniting fumes of said fluid emitted from said lining when an air draft passes through said openings to render said member and wire incandescent.

2. A catalytic lighter comprising a container, said container having a cylindrical neck portion, a mass of fibrous material in the container adapted to retain a quantity of volatile, ignitable fluid therein, a hollow stopper removably inserted in the container, said stopper having a cylindrical portion slidably received in said neck portion and a head adapted to be grasped for removal of the stopper from thecontainer, a lining of fibrous, non-inflammable material in said stopper exposed to the fibrous material in the container, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said stopper, projections extending laterally of the frame, said stopper having lateral holes in said cylindrical portion located to be adjustably closed by said projections, a catalytic member suspended within the frame, a wire connected, between the said member and the frame for igniting fumes of said fluid emitted from said lining when an air draft passes through said openings to render said memberand wire incandescent, said stopper having a cavity in said head, a mass of non-inflammable material in said head, and a weight in the head to hold the stopper in an upright position with the cylindrical portion uppermost.

3.. A catalytic lighter comprising a container, said container having a cylindrical neck portion, a mass of fibrous material in the container adapted to retain a quantity of volatile, ignitable fluid therein, a hollow stopper removably inserted in the container, said stopper having a cylindrical portion slidably received in said neck portion and a head adapted to be grasped for removal of the stopper from the container, a lining of fibrous, non-inflammable material in said stopper exposed to the fibrous material in the container, a frame removably and turnably inserted insaid stopper, projections extending laterally ofthe frame, said stopper having lateral holes in said cylindrical portion located to be adjustably closed by said projections, a. catalytic member suspended within the frame, a wire connected between the said member and the frame for igniting fumes of said fluid emitted from Said lining when an air draft passes through said openings to render said memher and Wire incandescent, said neck portion defining a compartment in the container, and a quantity of a desiccant in the compartment to absorb water from said fumes and fluid.

4. A catalytic lighter comprising a container, said container having a cylindrical neck portion, a mass of fibrous material in the container adapted to retain a quantity of volatile, ignitable fluid therein, a hollow stopper removably inserted in the container, said stopper having a cylindrical portion slidably received in said neck portion and a head adapted to be grasped for removal of the stopper from the container, a lining of fibrous, non-inflammable material in said stopper exposed to the fibrous material in the container, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said stopper, projections extending laterally of the frame, said stopper having lateral holes in said cylindrical portion located to be adjustably closed by said projections, a catalytic member suspended within the frame, a wire connected between the said member and the frame for igniting fumes of said fluid emitted from said lining when an air draft passes through said openings to render said member and wire incandescent, said stopper having a cavity in said head, a mass of non-inflammable material in said head, a weight in the head to hold the stopper in an upright position with the cylindrical portion uppermost, said neck portion defining a compartment in the container, and a quantity of a desiccant in the compartment to absorb water from said fumes and fluid.

5. A catalytic lighter comprising a container, said container having a cylindrical neck portion, a mass of fibrous material in the container adapted to retain a quantity of volatile, ignitable fluid therein, a hollow stopper removably inserted in the container, said stopper having a cylindrical portion slidably received in said neck portion and a head adapted to be grasped for removal of the stopper from the container, a lining of fibrous, non-inflammable material in said stopper exposed to the fibrous material in the container, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said stopper, projections extending laterally of the frame, said stopper having lateral holes in said cylindrical portion located to be adjustably closed by said projections, a pair of spaced catalytic members suspended within the frame, and wire loops connected between the respective members and said frame for igniting fumes of said fluid emitted by said lining when the air draft passes through said openmgs.

6. A catalytic lighter comprising a container, said container having a cylindrical neck portion, a mass of fibrous material in the container adapted to retain a quantity of volatile, ignitable fluid therein, a hollow stopper removably inserted in the container, said stopper having a cylindrical portion slidably received in said neck portion and a head adapted to be grasped for removal of the stopper from the container, a lining of fibrous, non-inflammable material in said stopper exposed to the fibrous material in the container, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said stopper, projections extending laterally of the frame, said stopper having lateral holes in said cylindrical portion located to be adjustably closed by said projections, a catalytic member suspended within the frame, and a wire connected between the said member and the frame for igniting fumes of said fluid emitted from said lining when an air draft passes through said openings to render said member and wire incandescent, said projections being cylindrically curved elements tapering to points at their free ends for adjustably controlling the air passages through said openings.

7. A catalytic lighter comprising a container, said container having a cylindrical neck portion, a mass of fibrous material in the container adapted to retain a quantity of volatile, ignitable fluid therein, a hollow stopper removably inserted in the container, said stopper having a cylindrical portion slidably received in said neck portion and a head adapted to be grasped for removal of the stopper from the container, a lining of fibrous, noninflammable material in said stopper exposed to the fibrous material in the container, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said stopper, projections extending laterally of the frame, said stopper having lateral holes in said cylindrical portion located to be adjustably closed 7 by said projections, a pair of spaced catalytic members suspended within the frame, and wire loops connected between the respective members and said frame for igniting fumes of said fluid emitted by said lining when the air draft passes through said openings, said neck portion defining a compartment in the container, and a quantity of a desiccant in the compartment to absorb water from said fumes and fluid.

8. A catalytic lighter comprising a container, said container having a cylindrical neck portion, a mass of fibrous material in the container adapted to retain a quantity of volatile, ignitable fluid therein, a hollow stopper removably inserted in the container, said stopper having a cylindrical portion slidably received in said neck portion and a head adapted to be grasped for removal of the stopper from the container, a lining of fibrous, non-inflammable material in said stopper exposed to the fibrous material in the container, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said stopper, projections extending laterally of the frame, said stopper having lateral holes in said cylindrical portion located to be adjustably closed by said projections, a catalytic member, and a wire Wound around sides of the frame and supporting said member inside the frame for igniting fumes of said fluid emitted by said lining when an air draft passes through said openings to render said member and wire incandescent.

9. A stopper for a catalytic lighter comprising a cylindrical portion and a connected head portion, a lining of fibrous material in said cylindrical portion and a mass of fibrous material in the head portion, said cylindrical portion having holes for passing a draft of air therethrough, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said cylindrical portion, projections extending laterally of the frame and located for adjustably closing said holes, a catalytic member suspended in said frame, and a wire connected between said member and frame.

10. A stopper for a catalytic lighter comprising a cylindrical portion and a connected head portion, a lining of fibrous material in said cylindrical portion and a mass of fibrous material in the head portion, said cylindrical portion having holes for passing a draft of air therethrough, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said cylindrical portion, projections extending laterally of the frame and located for adjustably closing said holes, a catalytic member suspended in said frame, and a Wire connected between said member and frame, said projections being cylindrically curved and tapering to points at their free ends.

11. A stopper for a catalytic lighter comprising a cylindrical portion and a connected head portion, a lining of fibrous material in said cylindrical portion and a mass of fibrous material in the head portion, said cylindrical portion having holes for passing a draft of air therethrough, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said cylindrical portion, projections extending laterally of the frame and located for adjustably closing said holes, a catalytic member suspended in said frame, and a wire connected between said member and frame, said projections being cylindrically curved and tapering to points at their free ends, said head being generally spherical in form and having a weight therein to hold the stopper in an upright position with the cylindrical portion uppermost.

12. A stopper for a catalytic lighter comprising a cylindrical portion and a connected head portion, a lining of fibrous material in said cylindrical portion and a mass of fibrous material in the head portion, said cylindrical portion having holes for passing a draft of air therethrough, a frame removably and turnably inserted in said cylindrical portion, projections extending laterally of the frame and located for adjustably closing said holes, a catalytic member suspended in said frame, and a wire connected between said member and frame, said projections being cylindrically curved and tapering to points at their free ends, said head having a flat end to support the stopper in an upright position with the cylindrical portion uppermost.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,480,139 Keene Aug. 30, 1949 2,718,133 Oxaal et a1. Sept. 20, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 24,983 Great Britain 1907 308,968 Switzerland Oct. 17, 1955 842,538 Great Britain July 27, 1960 

